Skin cancer is one of the more prevalent types of cancer. The good news is that it can be treated if it's found early. Another bit of good news about skin cancer is that taking the right precautions can lower the risk of getting it. Those precautions can be both, simple and easy to do.
Skin Cancer Prevention Tip 1 - Protect Yourself In The Sun
Though the sun is necessary for life on earth, too much sun is devastating to the skin. Ultraviolet rays from the sun are detrimental because they damage the DNA in the skin cells, so it's a good idea to practice sun safety when going out during the day. Among the things to do that lower exposure to the sun are:
- Using sunscreen. Even dark-skinned people should use sunscreen if they're going to be in the sun for a long period of time.
- Avoid the sun’s rays as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when they reach their peak and are the most dangerous.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, trousers and a hat if going out in the sun.
- Use sunglasses that are made to block ultraviolet rays.
- Avoid indoor tanning parlors.
Skin Cancer Prevention Tip 2 - Conduct Self-Examination Skin Exams Regularly
Another way to prevent skin cancer is to do a regular skin check. People should look for moles that have changed in size, are more than one color, have irregular margins or that bleed painlessly. In addition to seeing a skin cancer dermatologist yearly for a skin exam, you should give yourself self-examinations periodically.
Skin Cancer Prevention Tip 3 - Treatments in Orange County
There are also treatments available that help prevent skin cancer. Chemical peels, for instance use fruit acids or acids based on Vitamin A to remove the top layers of damaged skin. Photodynamic therapy reduces the risk of skin cancer by using light sensitive drugs to destroy abnormal cells in the skin.
Contact our specialists in any one of our various Orange County dermatology centers to learn more about our skin cancer treatment and prevention services.
